Tue., Mar. 22/22
There’s nothing worse than being pessimistic about your own pessimism. As someone once said, “There’s no sense in being pessimistic. It wouldn’t work anyway.” Yet, millions persist with it. They take a negative-first view of the world. If someone is nice to a pessimist such a one’s first response is suspicion. “What’s his motive?” When good news is on the horizon the pessimist postulates what will “most likely” go awry.
After years of observing pessimism I have come to the conclusion pessimists are bitter. They have allowed over many years that much warned about “root of bitterness” (Heb. 12:15) to crop up in their hearts, choking out the good plants of the gospel. These roots grow deep and thick by abundant watering and giving them expression. The good plants become obstructed… choked… Jesus warned about something similar in His parable of the sower: worldly worries and deceitful wealth as thorns which likewise choke and destroy (Matt. 13:7,22).
But Christ is Master Gardener. The cynic, the pessimist, the bitter of heart while they yet have breath may still be rescued. Surrender the weeds to the Gardener’s tug. Breathe again! See the sunshine. It is still a beautiful world. Look past the smoke and debris. See the Lilly dressed better than Solomon, Hear the birds still singing thankfully for their food.
The gospel is not a gospel of grace only, but the truth that we have abominably rebelled against our Maker! We are sentenced to death, and death even now is at work within us.
You deserve nothing, yet still He gives you all things. You have a right to nothing! Stop complaining. Give Him praise. He is more important than you. Instead,
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Heb. 12:14-15).
Much to your surprise, having humbled yourself in full sincerity, you will find He loves you indeed, and what He has said all along is true: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35).
Reach up… Rejoice!
Press on…
Pressing on... 